The Joy of Giving By Greg Ebie What makes you smile? What lightens your heart and makes you happy? Some of my greatest joy-filled moments happen with my family and friends. Those whom I love can touch my heart and bring a smile to my face. Similarly, those I love can also cause me the greatest concern, grief and sorrow. Granted, we are susceptible to being hurt when those we love do or say things to spite us; those we love can cut us deeper than a stranger. However, thats not the kind of regret or pain Im talking about. When those we love are sick or injured we feel their pain too. When a son or daughter is teased or beat up by the school bully we want to comfort and defend them. When a friend is laid off we want to help meet their needs. Its easy, even natural, for us to identify with those we love and do whatever we can to help them. Dignify those who are down on their luck; youll feel good — thats what God does. God looks after us all, makes us robust with life (Psalm 41:1,2, The Message). When we help those in need, when we do what we can to ease the suffering of others, we feel good inside. Why does helping others put a smile on our face? Because that is when we are like God. We have been made in the image of God. He wired us to care for people, to want to help others, because in love God meets our needs. We act like God by loving other individuals not just in word but also in deed. This brings a satisfaction that grows within our hearts that this world can never take away. Like God, we have the greatest joy and satisfaction when we willingly help those who cannot repay us. Our motive should not be to give to get, but simply to give with no strings attached. As Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35, NIV). — D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Life Church (Assemblies of God) in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:00:00 +0000
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